NEWS / What could read like an April's Fool simply isn't: Stratovarius is one of the most influential, successful and enduring power metal bands in the world; one of the top names thanks to their distinguished mix of fast progressive metal and a melodic approach to melodies.

What started in 1985 under the name Black Water and left a trail of 16 studio albums and ten Top 5 chart positions in their native country Finland (and more than 40 top chart positions all around the globe), found Ð after a few bumpy steps and stones in the bandÕs line-up Ð its peak in StratovariusÕ recent studio works ÒElysiumÓ, ÒNemesisÓ and ÒEternalÓ. All milestones in sound, creativity and song writing.

It happens rarely nowadays, especially in metal, that a band creates one magic song after the other. Stratovarius are one of the few exceptions. 29 of those exceptions (and there could have been more!) can be found on StratovariusÕ longest and greatest ÒBest OfÓ which is going to be released on May 6th, 2015 on earMUSIC.

The ÒBest OfÓ is going to be released as 2CD Standard Edition, Digital and as 3CD Limited Edition in a high quality packaging including the exclusive 60 minute bonus CD ÒLive At Wacken 2015Ó. Both editions include liner notes written by exceptional keyboardist Jens Johansson as well as rare picture material from the bandÕs private archive. As a special treat, the ÒBest OfÓ includes the brand new song ÒUntil The End Of DaysÓ from the current band line up consisting of Timo Kotipelto, Jens Johansson, Mattias Kupainen, Lauri Porra and Rolf Pilve.

All hand-picked by the band and adding up to 2 ? hours of pure Stratovarius bliss, the songs give metal fans and those to be a great selection on the bandÕs impressive work, including classics such as ÒBlack DiamondÓ, ÒHunting High And LowÓ and ÒSpeed Of LightÓ as well as more recent material such as the most streamed song in the bandÕs history ÒUnbreakableÓ and ÒShine In The DarkÓ from their recent studio album ÒEternalÓ. All songs are remastered by the bandÕs long-time companion Mika Jussila of Finnvox Studios.

Jens Johansson explains: ÒIt's been 20 years since the Episode album, we're all getting older but this stuff sounds as fresh as ever. Could it be that Stratovarius has discovered the fountain of Eternal Youth!? You may feel younger, but we can't actually (legally) promise you'll be younger after listening to this best-of album, but we can guarantee one thing: when you put it through your speakers, it will play Until the End of Days!! To me it's a testament to the fact that paying attention to song writing and production was expensive, but so worth it. The songs, the sound and the performances really have stood the test of time.Ó

Timo Kotipelto adds: ÒWow! 20 years in Stratovarius have passed at the speed of light! I still remember when I joined the band and was happy to do some power metal. And I am very happy to still be able to do it after all these years! This collection of songs is an excellent selections and a cool way to remember the history of the band from the past to the present! I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did while selecting the songs. Rock the Metal!Ó

All Stratovarius albums will be re-released throughout 2016 and 2017, including extensive booklets and a lot of bonus material.

Tracklist ÒBest OfÓÊCD21. Halcyon Days2. Will My Soul Ever Rest In Peace?3. Destiny4. Paradise5. Deep Unknown6. Elysium7. Black Diamond8. If The Story Is Over9. Unbreakable10. Forever11. Shine In The Dark12. Hunting High And LowÊCD11. Until The End Of Days (brand new song)2. My Eternal Dream3. Eagleheart4. Speed Of Light5. S.O.S .6. Forever Free7. Wings Of Tomorrow8. No Turning Back9. Break The Ice10. Distant Skies11. Will The Sun Rise?12. A Million Light Years Away13. Under Flaming Skies14. Darkest Hours15. Winter Skies16. I Walk To My Own Song17. Maniac DanceÊCD3 Ð Live At Wacken 2015 (only available on Limited Edition)1. Intro2. Black Diamond3. Eagleheart4. Against The Wind5. Dragons6. Legions Of The Twilight7. Paradise8. Shine In The Dark9. Speed Of Light10. Unbreakable11. Hunting High And LowÊStratovarius will perform songs from past and present throughout festivals in Europe this summer: